May 2013

Phony Ppl’s multi-talented Elbee Thrie delivered his full length free album/mixtape this week. The singer/rapper/producer produced and performed on every one of the 18 tracks. Originally scheduled for a May 3rd release, Thrie’s project was worth the wait. This is like some 2013 Native Toungues sh*t.

This morning MMG’s Wale passed by HOT97’s morning show to chop it up with Ciph, Rosenberg, K. Foxx and Ebro. The Gifted one fielded questions about his upcoming album, Summer Jam XX, losing Tiara Thomas to another label, his “Bad (Remix)” with Rihanna and more. Wale also touched on his social media comments have more of an effect on him than most. Come Sunday, look out for the kid to have some big guests in-store for that Summer Jam stage (Philly and Detroit should be there with him).

With a little under three weeks ’til his sophomore album, Born Sinner, hits stores — going head-to-head with Kanye West’s Yeezus and Mac Miller’s Watching Movies with the Sound Off on June 18 — J. Cole graces the cover of Billboard magazine. The Roc Nation MC gets pensive as he opens up about the pressure of meeting expectations in Alex Gale‘s cover story. The issue is on newsstands today (May 31).

Cole also touched on the subject of pressure and depression when speaking to SoulCulture as part of their #OKNotToBeOK campaign. He revealed that he recently found himself in a dark place — “fighting all these negative thoughts, self-confidence shattered” — and was writing his way out of it during the making of Born Sinner.

Rihanna continues to top the charts and bring in big sales. The pop diva has plenty to celebrate about as her seventh solo album Unapologetic is now certified platinum according to Nielsen SoundScan via Billboard. Released in November 2012, her latest effort hit the 1-million mark after selling 9,000 copies this week. Lead by the singles “Diamonds” and “Stay,” Unapologetic is selling at a faster pace than 2011’s Talk That Talk.

Only her 2005 debut Music of the Sun falls short of the million mark. Good Girl Gone Bad released back in 2007 serves as RiRi’s highest-selling album with 2.8 million sold. On Wednesday, the Bajan beauty revealed “Right Now” featuring David Guetta will serve as the next pop single off her album. A video for the urban single “Pour It Up” should arrive soon.

With three weeks remaining until his sophomore album releases, J. Cole debuts track six “Ni**az Know.” The Dreamvillain comes through with his trademark lyrical exercise over a soulful soundtrack. Due June 18, Born Sinner is set to feature Miguel, TLC, and other non-rapping appearances. Pre-order your copy on iTunes.

Stream “Ni**az Know,” and watch his interview on depression with SoulCultureUK below….

Jadakiss offers that grown man talk on “Big Boy Dialogue,” the first single off his upcoming Top 5, Dead or Alive album. The LOX frontman adds some R&B flavor by way of his labelmate The-Dream who croons over some gritty production. Jada’s fourth solo LP is due later this year via Def Jam Records, with the long-awaited new LOX project to follow.

B.o.B recently gave us a taste of his new album, Underground Luxury, with “Through My Head,” but today he refers back to 2012’s Strange Clouds for a fresh visual delivery. In “Chandelier,” Bobby Ray provides a sneak-peak into the life of a famous rapper while gorgeous guest songstress Lauriana Mae lights up a room full of (you guessed it) chandeliers.

Stalley takes us behind-the-scenes of his recent video shoot “Swangin.” In the first of a two-part series, we ride through Massllion, Ohio’s Yorkview Aparments, Walnut Hills, and Shriver Park. Rick Ross, Rockie Fresh, Omarion, DJ Steph Floss, and Phil Taylor of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns make appearances. Directed by Kellen Degler (“Fountain of Youth“), expect part two which takes us to Houston with Scarface to arrive soon.

DJ Drama causes havoc with “4 What,” his new club anthem set to get this summer blazing. Mr. Thanksgiving calls on Young Jeezy, Yo Gotti, and Juicy J on the Don Cannon-produced cut. Listen as the group answers to no one, there is a little rap significance also as this marks the first time Tennessee-natives Gotti and Juicy J have done a record together.

Another fine piece of artwork from Bam Bam. Action Bronson and Harry Fraud have just revealed the cover and tracklist for their Saaab Stories collaboration ahead of its release next month. Although running at a brief seven tracks — including “Strictly 4 My Jeeps,” which received a hilarious visual makeover earlier this month — the project boasts support from Raekwon, Wiz Khalifa, Prodigy and Big Body Bes. Cop on iTunes June 11.

Dont fuck with my art. I love every single person, but at the end of the day your father ain’t shit. Thank you for your support. Peace and love. – Bam Bam